JSB Financial Inc. (OTC Pink: JFWV), the holding company of Jefferson Security Bank, announced that Karl J. “Jeff” Keller, Executive Vice President of Lending, will retire after 31 years of dedicated service on September 13, 2024. At the August 21, 2024 board meeting, Mr. Keller was appointed to the Boards of Directors of both JSB Financial Inc. and Jefferson Security Bank to be effective immediately following his retirement. In this role, Mr. Keller’s years of experience and banking expertise will continue to be of benefit to both the holding company and the bank.
“Jeff has a deep understanding and commitment to our company, the local community and the banking industry. We are pleased that his representation on the Board of Directors as a significant shareholder will provide a mindful perspective of the history of the bank as we build for the future,” said Chair Frederick K. Parsons.
Keller joined Jefferson Security Bank in 1987 as a Commercial Loan Officer. He was named Senior Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer in 2003 and Executive Vice President of Lending in 2012. During this time, Mr. Keller played a pivotal role in the Bank’s growth and success, which saw the loan portfolio grow from $37 million in 1987 to $374 million at June 30, 2024.
“Throughout his tenure, Jeff cultivated a credit culture focused on maintaining prudent underwriting standards, while being a trusted advisor and partner to many customers,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Cindy A. Kitner. “His strong knowledge of our markets and dedicated service to our customers has contributed immensely to our local community. In wishing him all the best in his well-deserved retirement, we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role as a board member.”
Mr. Keller has 38 years of experience in commercial, residential, consumer and agricultural lending. Mr. Keller began his banking career at South Branch Valley National Bank in 1986 and then joined Jefferson Security Bank in 1987. He joined First United Bank & Trust in 1998 before coming back to Jefferson Security Bank in 2003.
Before his career in banking, Mr. Keller was a Planner and Grant Writer for the Region 8 Planning & Development Council, where he developed and prepared grant applications for various water, sewer, industrial and community development projects and provided technical support and assistance to five counties and 11 municipal governments.
Mr. Keller has also served in various community leadership roles, including six years as Treasurer and Chair of the Berkeley County Public Service Sewer District from 1991-1997, four years as Board Member and Vice Chair of the Opequon Public Service Water District from 1997-2001, seven years as a member of the Berkeley County Planning Commission from 1994-2001, nine years as a member of the Berkeley County Farm Bureau from 1994-2003 and one year as a charter member and Treasurer of the Building a Better Eastern Panhandle from 2003-2004.
Mr. Keller received an Associate’s Degree from Potomac State College in 1980, a Bachelor’s Degrees in History and Political Science from Shepherd College in 1983 and a Master of Public Administration from James Madison University in 1985.
Mr. Keller is a 37-year resident of Berkeley County, West Virginia. He plans to spend his retirement enjoying time with his wife Nanette N. Stevens as well as family and friends, traveling and pursuing personal interests.
About JSB Financial Inc.
JSB Financial Inc. (OTCPink: JFWV) is the holding company for Jefferson Security Bank, an independent community bank operating six banking offices located in Berkeley County and Jefferson County, West Virginia and Washington County, Maryland. Founded in 1869, Jefferson Security Bank serves individuals, businesses, municipalities and community organizations through a comprehensive suite of banking services delivered by an exceptional team who put customers first. Jefferson Security Bank has received industry recognition by American Banker magazine five years in a row. Most recently, as a Top 100 Community Bank in 2024 and prior as a Top 200 Community Bank for four consecutive years. Operating for over 155 years, Jefferson Security Bank is the oldest, independent, locally owned and managed bank in West Virginia. Visit www.jsb.bank for more information.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, as defined by federal securities laws, which may involve significant risks and uncertainties. The statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management in conjunction with other factors deemed appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from current projections.
Offices:
105 East Washington Street, Shepherdstown, WV (304-876-9000)
7994 Martinsburg Pike, Shepherdstown, WV (304-876-2800)
873 East Washington Street, Suite 100, Charles Town, WV (304-725-9752)
277 Mineral Drive, Suite 1, Inwood, WV (304-229-6000)
1861 Edwin Miller Boulevard, Martinsburg, WV (304-264-0900)
103 West Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD (301-432-3900)
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